Topic Overview

Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health, and perhaps your life, at risk.

Taking your medicines as your doctor says may include:

What time you take them, such as in the morning or evening, or at 8 a.m. or 6 p.m.

How much you take, such as 2 tsp (10 mL) or 3 pills.

How you take them, such as with water, with food, or on an empty stomach.

How long you take them, such as for 2 months or until your doctor says to stop.

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